17 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin: Lightweight, Hydrating Formulas

November 26th 2021 in Skin Care - 17 mins read

17 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin: Lightweight, Hydrating Formulas

Excess shine, large pores, and an oily skin type; it’s the perfect recipe for frequent acne and breakouts. The thing about applying a moisturizer on oily skin is that it doesn’t encourage any extra sebum production, unlike popular opinion. But that’s only if the moisturizer is specifically created for oily skin. This is where Korean or K-beauty products come into the picture.

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The best Korean moisturizers for oily skin keep your sebum production from getting into the overdrive mode. In fact, these formulas are known for controlling the mass manufacturing of oil.

At the same time, since they come from the K-beauty category, the moisturizers also offer anti-aging and many other skin benefits. So it’s time to get to know the top choices well-suited for oily skin.

Top Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin

1. COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

The first on the list is the most hydrating formula recommended not just for the day but for the night too. The lightweight, mild moisturizing lotion contains 70 percent willow bark water. This is a natural, skin-friendly ingredient packed with antioxidants and vitamins that provide all the nourishment your skin demands.

Since it’s lightweight, the lotion gets absorbed easily and quickly. And no greasy residue means nothing but great news for oily or acne-prone skin. You can apply it on a daily basis for maintaining your skin’s hydration level and restoring moisture into it. The cream penetrates deep enough for making your skin feel silky smooth, soft, and fresh.

The bottle comes with a convenient pump that allows you to dispense the perfect amount. Meaning no waste! And then the moisturizer is also cruelty-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested.

2. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream

Yet another moisturizer from the Korean-based skincare brand Nature Republic. But this one comes in the form of a fresh watery cream specifically designed for oily skin. It’s got Kona deep sea water, sea plant nutrients, trace minerals, ocean extracts, magnesium, and calcium.

Since the manufacturer is a global cosmetic brand, it’s only logical to assume there are no pollutants or heavy metals in the ingredients sourced from land or shallow water. The Kona minerals are nature-ionized for quick absorption.

The cream is watery, thus very light and deeply hydrating. It doesn’t leave any oily residue post-application, that’s for sure too. But here’s the star of the show. The moisturizer features Aqua Capture System. It helps in improving your skin’s moisture level.

Furthermore, there’s also licorice extract and Portulaca oleracea extract. These 2 natural ingredients smoothen your skin by tightening the oily surface. And that says it all, doesn’t it?

3. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

The all-green tube contains a combination of soothing ingredients. These include aloe and propolis. The former is packed with moisture, so it soothes and revitalizes your skin. As for beehive-derived propolis, it’s got antioxidants for protection against free radicals.

You should know that there’s 80 percent aloe in here. And also that propolis offers anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties as well. If active soothing is what your skin demands, then that’s what it gets with this Benton gel.

The product is mildly acidic and nourishes, soothes, and hydrates irritated skin. Meaning it’s an ideal choice for dry, oily, sensitive, and dehydrated skin.

4. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

The True Cream for oily skin, indeed. This Aqua Bomb formula by Belif is a very popular Korean skincare product. Once you rub the cream into your skin, it gets soaked up fairly quickly to activate softness and smoothness.

It’s an incredibly hydrating moisturizer that’s also very lightweight. As for worries regarding breakouts, you can flush them down the toilet. No matter how oily or sensitive your skin!

And to be honest, there’s no age group the Aqua Bomb is suitable for. You can be a teenager or 30 years old and still benefit from the super-lightweight, moisturizing facial cream.

5. TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream

TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream

Here’s another leading Korean beauty brand, TONYMOLY. This K-beauty manufacturer combines innovative technology and top quality ingredients. And The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream is no different.

The formula contains fermented extracts of green tea and distilled water. The antioxidants of green tea are very beneficial when it comes to providing intense hydration. Minus any sticky or heavy feeling after use!

The cream is gel-based, so it adds enough moisture into your skin. And this moisture stays put for long hours simply by creating a thin hydration layer. The green tea used is fermented for as long as a whole year. Therefore, it’s well-equipped to deliver gentle, intense hydration and moisture that lasts long.

So if soothing and hydrating your oily or dry skin is a priority while also preventing the rise of breakouts, this should be your go-to solution.

6. Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream

Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream

Snail Repair Cream? Are you reading that right? Well, this should be expected from K-beauty skincare products. Korean brands include the most unusual ingredients in their cosmetics. Maybe that’s why they actually work!

About this All In One Snail Repair Cream, it’s got 92-percent of snail mucus extract. What this unusual substance does is encourage skin recovery and regeneration. It helps in the fading of wrinkles, blemishes, and scars. While also helping you deal with acne, pores, and aging signs.

The formula makes your skin more elastic, bouncy, healthy, and bright. All these advantages without the addition of artificial colors, fragrances, and parabens. Meaning it works for sensitive skin too.

And here’s an interesting fact. The slime of snails is a very useful source of copper peptides. These have been proven to heal wounds and repair wrinkles. In all honesty, this does seem like an all-in-one skincare solution.

7. Mizon Water Max Aqua Gel Cream

Mizon Water Max Aqua Gel Cream

It’s a special water-based formula that delivers hydration deep into your skin. That’s the beauty of this Mizon gel cream. Even though it absorbs slowly, the moisturizer doesn’t cause any breakouts or other common skin issues. That says a lot about how effective it is for oily and combination skin.

As you can see, the jar is pretty generously sized. And the formula inside is also quite abundantly nourishing. The smell too is pleasantly clean and crisp. There’s no stinging at the time of application. And no oily or greasy feeling post-application either.

If you use it at night, expect to wake up to moisturized, even-toned skin in the morning. The watery consistency of the gel is super-moisturizing. Even a small amount goes a long way.

Moreover, the cream pairs up well with the foundation. So don’t think twice before massaging it into your skin prior to putting on makeup. And look forward to zero creases throughout the day.

8. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

Packed with super collagen water, this cream’s absorption capacity is soft and easy. It’s a moisturizer with long-lasting capabilities. What the formula does is supply lots of moisture to make your skin look fresh, hydrated, and even oil-free.

The gel has a watery texture that doesn’t feel sticky on the skin. Super collagen is the main ingredient here. Just like a waterfall, it gushes moisture into your skin. There’s also baobab oil for providing further hydration.

And the best part is that the cream produces results in only 5 days of daily use. Within 5 days, you’ll notice your skin starting to feel softer and smoother.

9. SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Snail Repair Cream

SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Snail Repair Cream

Here’s presenting yet another snail mucus-infused Korean skincare for oily acne prone skin. It’s the Snail Repair Cream by SeoulCeuticals. Comparatively speaking, the formula is more effective as it contains a larger snail mucin extract concentration. So the moisturizer is quite potent.

More youthful, healthier, and brighter skin takes form in a matter of only a few days. I say more youthful because the repair cream reduces dullness, wrinkles, and dark spots as well.

The thing about SeoulCeuticals is that they only use organic, natural ingredients. Speaking of which, you’ll also find green tea and Vitamin E in here. What the former does is deliver antioxidants for fighting free radicals to prevent skin damage. And Vitamin E is known to reduce UV damage.

On a secondary note, the list of attractive qualities includes the product’s non-comedogenic, anti-microbial nature. So you don’t have to worry about your oily skin or acne and breakouts.

 

10. Bella Terra Cosmetics BB Cream Matte Finish Tinted Moisturizer

Bella Terra Cosmetics BB Cream Matte Finish Tinted Moisturizer

Make room for the best Korean moisturizer for oily acne prone skin in the form of a BB cream. It blends perfectly into your skin. While building your skin tone simply by providing medium to light coverage. So the appearance of dark circles, acne, fine lines, and scars get concealed.

This BB cream is not just a complexion concealer but also a complexion clearer. And it’s not just limited to oily skin, the tinted moisturizer works well on acne-prone, dry, sensitive, and combination skin too.

The formula is gentle and lightweight, thus it doesn’t leave your skin feeling cakey, oily, or heavy after use. And to make the application even more pleasant, the Korean brand has included zero parabens, preservatives, synthetic dyes, additives, etc.

The ingredients include pure minerals mica, hydroxatone, zinc, and magnesium. They do a swell of a job when it comes to adding natural sun protection and providing anti-aging skin benefits. In all, it’s the combination of weightless coverage and these top-quality ingredients that stands out.

11. EverGlam Deeply Moisturizing Face Cream

EverGlam Deeply Moisturizing Face Cream

100% Made in Korea, this Deeply Moisturizing Face Cream by EverGlam is a refreshing, non-greasy, and strikingly effective formula. The texture is so smooth that it’s almost impossible for you to conclude that the cream doesn’t improve complexion and boost skin elasticity. Plus, the product is good for both women and men.

So what’s so special about this best moisturizer for oily skin? It’s equipped with advanced ceramides. These hydrate your skin by forming microcapsule barriers that help your skin retain moisture. When used regularly, ceramides have the capacity to diminish wrinkles and fine lines. While also minimizing pores and brightening your skin.

Infused with botanical extracts like argan oil, shea butter, green tomato, ballon plant, amaranth seed, and more, the moisturizer deeply nourishes and soothes the skin. No doubt about that! Even the addition of antioxidants goes a long way at fighting free radicals, thus preventing potential skin damage.

So if you’re not convinced yet, then why not just consider buying this product for its lightweight, non-sticky, non-oily texture. Since your skin type is oily or acne-prone!

12. Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel Hydrating Cream

Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel Hydrating Cream

Water droplets; that’s what gives this Cremorlab cream such an impressive hydrating capacity. Needless to say, the freshwater formula revitalizes your skin to make it look radiant. Irrespective of whether your skin is oily or dry!

No parabens, fragrances, and artificial colors imply safety. And the presence of Bulgarian rose essential oil provides skin-soothing properties. The balance of essential minerals from the water enables easy absorption for added protection against environmental stressors.

And guess what? You don’t even have to wait for long to see noticeable results. The hydration adds moisture instantly.

13. THEFACESHOP Chia Seed Hydrating Emulsion Lotion

THEFACESHOP Chia Seed Hydrating Emulsion Lotion

The Korean brand THE FACE SHOP prioritizes vitality and beauty. The proof of which comes in the form of skin care products formulated using only naturally enhancing ingredients. These, undoubtedly, enrich and nourish any type of skin. So that’s what awaits for you if you pick this Chia Seed Hydrating Emulsion Lotion.

Extracts of miraculous chia seeds are put to use here. Chia seed is very popular for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. The absorbing capacity is also very strong. Chia seed absorbs water 10x its weight. So you can expect your skin to look and feel moisturized and hydrated from deep within.

And these chia seeds are organic by the way. Another thing you should know that no harmful additives are used. Meaning no alcohol, parabens, artificial antioxidants, sulfates, benzophenone, etc.

It’s an incredibly hydrating emulsion that reveals the natural glow of your skin. No matter how oily your skin type!

14. MAMONDE Moisture Ceramide Light Cream

MAMONDE Moisture Ceramide Light Cream

Suitable for all skin types, the MAMONDE Moisture Ceramide Light Cream makes your skin feel fresh and moisturized. But it offers the most favorable results when used on oily and combination skin. Thanks to the inclusion of the perfect ingredients to control and manage sebum production.

The formula consists of ceramides and Rose of Sharon/Hibiscus. Together, they form a protective barrier of moisture on your skin. The texture is creamy yet lightweight for quick absorption. And even though the moisturizer has a floral scent, it doesn’t bother those with sensitivity issues.

It’s a cream you can use on a daily basis, be it in the winter or summer. But the most tempting aspect is the ability of the Korean moisturizer to hydrate your skin while also controlling oil production. Not many skincare products have the ability to do that you know.

15. Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

The thing about using heavy creams and lotions is that they cause breakouts during hot and humid weather conditions. And that’s precisely why the K-beauty skincare brand Laneige decided to create a nice and light moisturizer.

The Water Bank Gel Cream is the perfect choice even for oily skin. You can apply it under your sunscreen and expect it to hydrate your skin throughout the day. But let me warn you about the presence of alcohol in the product. So don’t choose this one if your skin type is sensitive or dry.

Moving on, the gel glides on pretty smooth and feels easy on the skin. The soothing feeling it gives rise to is something you might truly appreciate about this water-packed formula. The best part about being so heavily water-based is that the texture doesn’t make your skin oily at all. And that matters if you have naturally oily skin.

16. A-True Spring Green Tea Watery Calming Cream

A-True Spring Green Tea Watery Calming Cream

Every face moisturizer on this list with green tea automatically becomes the best Korean moisturizer for sensitive skin. On top of that, the watery calming cream by A-True is also infused with black tea water. That’s actually the first ingredient of the natural formula.

70-percent black tea water is no joke when it comes to refreshing and moisturizing the skin. As for the green tea extracts, they calm and brighten your skin that often gets damaged by environmental stressors.

The light texture works the best on oily skin. And here’s the greatest news if you think along vegan lines. The moisturizing cream under the spotlight is not formulated using even a single animal ingredient.

All you have to do is gently massage the thing into your skin until it gets absorbed completely, which doesn’t take too long. And then look forward to a plump, well-balanced skin tone.

17. MISSHA Super Aqua Oil Clear Gel Cream

MISSHA Super Aqua Oil Clear Gel Cream

The last on the list is a non-ethanol, mild formula that ranks among the best Korean serum for oily acne prone skin. This gel-cream contains ingredients that control oil like no other. Such as witch hazel, which produces commendable results when it comes to limiting and controlling sebum.

Needless to say, the moisturizer is an ideal pick for summer and oily skin. It keeps your skin hydrated, minus any excessive shine or greasy feeling post-application. As far as retaining moisture goes, you have absolutely nothing to worry about with this gel-based cream.

It’s got extracts of baobab tree as well as hyaluronic acid. No wonder the hydration capacity is so impressive. These ingredients penetrate deep into your skin for delivering moisture, improving skin tightness, and even treating dryness.

So for regulating oil, you know what to pick.

Why Moisturizing Oily Skin Is Important

Thick and heavy face creams are not what you should be using for moisturizing your skin. Rather oil-free, lightweight formulas are perfect for drawing moisture present within your skin and on the surface of it. Because when this happens, the hydration level of your skin strikes an optimal, healthy balance.

And there’s nothing more fitting as oil-free, lightweight formulas than Korean moisturizers. They are packed with all the right kinds of hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.

On top of that, the creams are gentle for proper skincare without causing any unnecessary dryness or tightness. Moisturizers specifically created for oily skin regulate your sebum production to prevent the shiny appearance on the face. Without them, your skin ends up looking oily or becomes susceptible to breakouts.

Benefits of Using Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin

The success and popularity of Korean or K-beauty products are growing by leaps and bounds. It’s because Korean skincare brands are genuinely dedicated toward taking care of your skin. Something that you and I forget to do! For instance, when was the last time you actually cleaned your makeup properly at the end of the day?

The perfect Korean skincare routine involves removing all traces of even leftover makeup and then applying a night mask. In the morning, you wash off the sleep mask, do some double-cleansing. After that, bring in the moisturizer, no matter your skin type, and then the sunscreen. And finally, it’s time to use your favorite, go-to foundation or BB/CC cream.

Korean skincare line also includes sheet masks, serums, toners, essences, and ampoules.

But why choose a Korean moisturizer? Or any other K-beauty product for that matter? It’s because all of them contain natural oils, botanical extracts, and even fruit extracts. Their innovative, nature-inspired approach toward beauty benefits the skin the most.

If you’ve read the reviews, then you know that some moisturizers are equipped with beehive-derived propolis and snail mucus for repairing your skin’s natural protective barrier. That’s how innovative and natural Korean skincare products really are.

How to Choose the Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin?

Increase your chances of picking the right skin care product for your oily and acne-prone skin. And you can do that simply by taking into consideration the following factors.

The form of the moisturizer

It only makes sense to assume that not all moisturizers are the same, form-wise. There are lotions, creams, gels, and serums. But for oily skin, what works best is a gel-based moisturizer. Just make sure the formula is also oil-free and lightweight.

Does it have SPF?

It’s alright even if the answer is NO. In that case, don’t forget to skip your sunscreen after applying the moisturizer.

But if your innovative Korean formula does come with SPF, that means it offers further skin protection. Never skip sunscreen as the UV rays speed up the process of aging. Apart from worsening acne, pigmentation, and the like!

Read the list of ingredients

The only way to make the right decision is to read the long list of ingredients your moisturizer is packed with. It’s not going to take more than a few seconds, maybe a minute or two.

Just keep in mind that alpha hydroxy acids and retinol work effectively against acne. So that’s how you can prevent your oily skin from breaking out. Another characteristic that ensures an acne-free experience is non-comedogenic. Meaning it doesn’t clog pores and give rise to breakouts.

Is it dermatologist-approved or tested?

If the moisturizer is dermatologist approved or tested, then the Korean manufacturer states it so. After all, who doesn’t like to display credibility!

Most of the K-beauty moisturizers for oily skin I’ve reviewed are recommended, approved, or tested by dermatologists. So you know they’re more effective than the ones that aren’t.

Important Skincare Tips for Managing Oily Skin

An oil-free, sheer moisturizer indeed controls the excess shine often caused by oily skin. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other skincare routines or techniques also vital for keeping the shine at bay. So here they are!

Say Yes to Oil Cleansing

The whole idea of putting oils into your oily skin doesn’t sound so logical now, does it? Well, I don’t care how it sounds, and you shouldn’t too. That’s because oil cleansing is a very effective method of eliminating excess sebum present within the skin. And it does so without drying or irritating your skin.

Regulating the natural production of oil in the skin to reduce shine is crucial. But you have to pick the right oils. Lighter oils such as jojoba oil have the same molecular structure as natural sebum. Meaning it’s good for preventing oil overproduction. Another light option is the geranium essential oil.

Say No to Over-Washing Your Face

When you wash your face more than 2-3 times a day, what you’re actually doing is stripping away your skin’s natural oils. When that happens, oil glands work harder to produce more sebum, thus resulting in breakouts and a shiny appearance.

Along the same lines, say no to alcohol-equipped cleansers. They dry out your skin excessively, which aggravates sebum overproduction. So go for foam-based or gel-based cleansers light enough to suit oily skin.

Say Yes to Toners and Clay Masks

Did you know that toners also clear away extra sebum? This excess sebum is often missed by the cleanser. So using a toner actually restores the natural pH levels of your skin. But keep away from toners with alcohol in them.

As for clay masks, they contain ingredients such as Kaolin clay, French green clay, and Bentonite clay. All three are effective at destroying impurities present in the pores, absorbing excess sebum, and refining the visibility of large pores.

For additional benefits, you can also select clay masks infused with charcoal. It’s the best skin care ingredient for detoxification. Then there’s soothing cucumber and sebum-regulating zinc as well.

Bottom Line

What skin type you have is actually the solution to your skin problem. Meaning if you have oily skin, then you should choose products specifically created for oily skin. Only then can you avoid sebum overproduction.

At the same time, please keep in mind that you shouldn’t deprive your epidermis, the outermost skin layer, of essential natural hydration. So opt for moisturizers that restore and replenish the skin’s normal pH balance. And you can do this by picking K-beauty formulas.

A Korean gel-based moisturizer works toward soothing the outermost layer of your skin. This also clears your complexion along with managing oily skin.

On top of that, when the consistency is gel-like, faster absorption takes place without any sticky or greasy residue. Just be diligent and soon your oily skin won’t bother you anymore.

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18 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin


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